Sample temperature and humidity control experiment device of small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer

Abstract

The invention discloses a sample temperature and humidity control experiment device of a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, which comprises a shell assembly, a heat preservation medium conveying mechanism and a reaction medium conveying mechanism, and is characterized in that the shell assembly comprises a shell, an incident window and an emergent window, the shell is provided with an incident port, an emergent port, an incident channel and a scattering channel, the incident window is installed at the incident port, and the scattering channel is installed at the emergent port; the emergent window is mounted at the emergent opening, the incident window, the emergent window and the shell jointly define a sample cavity, and a heat preservation space is further formed between the inner wall and the outer wall of the shell; the heat-insulating medium conveying mechanism circularly conveys a heat-insulating medium to the heat-insulating space; and the reaction medium conveying mechanism circularly conveys a reaction medium with preset temperature and humidity to the sample cavity. The heat preservation medium circularly flowing in the heat preservation space arranged around the sample cavity can avoid fluctuation of temperature and humidity in the sample cavity, ensure uniformity of the temperature and humidity in the sample cavity, avoid water vapor generated by condensation of the reaction medium due to temperature change, further avoid interference of humidity and improve accuracy of neutron scattering experiment results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of small-angle neutron scattering experimental apparatus with adjustable temperature and humidity, specifically to a sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer. Background Technology

[0002] Neutron scattering is a coherent scattering phenomenon of neutrons or X-rays, used to detect changes in scattering length density within a sample ranging from several nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. In experiments, by irradiating a sample with a neutron or X-ray beam and using a detector to receive and analyze the scattered signals, information about the sample's microstructure can be inferred. Compared to X-rays, neutrons possess superior penetrability, are lossless, have a magnetic moment, and are sensitive to light elements, making neutron scattering a crucial tool for probing the nanoscale structural features of materials. It offers advantages such as excellent statistical representativeness and ease of fabrication, playing an irreplaceable role in characterizing the microstructure of materials and finding wide application in multiple disciplines including materials science, chemistry, energy, and biology.

[0003] Polymer films, adhesive interfaces, and nanocomposites are highly sensitive to temperature and humidity. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) studies of these materials require highly precise temperature and humidity environments to explore microscopic mechanisms such as water adsorption and swelling kinetics at the material interfaces. By precisely adjusting temperature and humidity parameters, the nanostructures within the samples can be controlled and reversibly modified. These structural changes can then be observed and quantitatively analyzed in real time using neutron scattering techniques, allowing for the exploration of the material's dynamic behavior and thermodynamic processes under external temperature and humidity stimuli.

[0004] In neutron scattering experiments, the environment in which the sample is located is often poorly insulated, affecting the uniformity of temperature and humidity, which in turn affects the accuracy of the detection results. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application aims to provide a sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer. A neutron beam is incident on the sample through an incident window via an incident channel. After being scattered by the sample, the beam exits through an exit window via a scattering channel. The scattering channel constrains the neutron scattering path, thereby enabling small-angle neutron scattering experiments on the sample. A circulating insulating medium within the insulating space prevents fluctuations in temperature and humidity within the sample cavity, improving the accuracy of the neutron scattering experimental results.

[0006] This application provides a sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, comprising:

[0007] A housing assembly includes a housing, an entrance window, and an exit window. The housing has an entrance port and an exit port. The housing also has an entrance channel located outside the entrance port and a scattering channel located outside the exit port. The entrance window is installed at the entrance port, and the exit window is installed at the exit port. The entrance window, the exit window, and the housing together define a sample cavity for containing a sample. A thermal insulation space is also provided between the inner and outer walls of the housing, surrounding the sample cavity.

[0008] A thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism is connected to the thermal insulation space and is used to circulate and convey thermal insulation medium into the thermal insulation space.

[0009] A reaction medium delivery mechanism is connected to the sample chamber and is used to circulate a reaction medium with a preset temperature and humidity into the sample chamber.

[0010] In one embodiment, the housing assembly further includes a limiting member, and the cavity wall of the sample chamber is provided with a limiting portion, the limiting member cooperating with the limiting portion to restrict the sample.

[0011] In one embodiment, the limiting member is provided with a first clearance notch, and the limiting part is provided with a second clearance notch, the first clearance notch and the second clearance notch being used to avoid a neutron beam.

[0012] In one embodiment, the housing assembly further includes an entrance cavity cover and a scattering cavity cover, the entrance channel being formed inside the entrance cavity cover and the scattering channel being formed inside the exit cavity cover, the entrance cavity cover being mounted on the outside of the entrance port and pressing against the entrance window; the exit cavity cover being mounted on the outside of the exit port and pressing against the exit window.

[0013] In one embodiment, the scattering channel is cone-shaped.

[0014] In one embodiment, a collimator is further included, the collimator having a collimation position, the collimator being detachably mounted on the outside of the incident window, the collimator being used to collimate the neutron beam incident on the sample through the collimation position.

[0015] In one embodiment, a temperature and humidity sensor is also included, and the housing is further provided with a mounting hole, through which at least a portion of the temperature and humidity sensor extends into the sample chamber, the temperature and humidity sensor being used to detect the temperature and humidity of the reaction medium within the sample chamber.

[0016] In one embodiment, the thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism includes a thermal insulation medium input connector and a thermal insulation medium output connector. The housing is provided with a thermal insulation medium inlet and a thermal insulation medium outlet. Both the thermal insulation medium inlet and the thermal insulation medium outlet are connected to the thermal insulation space. The thermal insulation medium input connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium inlet, and the thermal insulation medium output connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium outlet. The thermal insulation medium input connector is used to input thermal insulation medium into the thermal insulation space, and the thermal insulation medium output connector is used to output the thermal insulation medium from the thermal insulation space.

[0017] In one embodiment, the reaction medium delivery mechanism includes a reaction medium input connector and a reaction medium output connector. The housing is provided with a reaction medium inlet and a reaction medium outlet, both of which are connected to the sample chamber. The reaction medium input connector is installed at the reaction medium inlet, and the reaction medium output connector is installed at the reaction medium outlet. The reaction medium input connector is used to input the reaction medium into the sample chamber, and the reaction medium output connector is used to output the reaction medium from the sample chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the housing includes an inner shell, an outer shell, a first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate. The inner shell is installed inside the outer shell and connected to the outer shell. There is a gap between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first sealing plate covers one side of the inner shell and the outer shell and also covers one side of the gap. The second sealing plate covers the other side of the inner shell and the outer shell and also covers the other side of the gap. The first sealing plate, the second sealing plate, and the gap together form the heat-insulating space.

[0019] According to the sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer in the above embodiment, the neutron beam is incident on the sample through the incident window via the incident channel. After being scattered by the sample, it exits through the scattering channel via the exit window. The scattering channel constrains the neutron scattering path to perform small-angle neutron scattering experiments on the sample. The circulating insulating medium within the insulating space surrounding the sample cavity avoids fluctuations in temperature and humidity within the sample cavity, rapidly regulates the temperature and humidity environment, and ensures the uniformity of temperature and humidity within the sample cavity. This prevents condensation of the reaction medium due to temperature changes, thus avoiding interference with the humidity within the sample cavity and improving the accuracy of the small-angle neutron scattering experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 The three-dimensional experimental apparatus for sample temperature and humidity control of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0021] Figure 2The three-dimensional experimental apparatus for sample temperature and humidity control of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application Figure 2 ;

[0022] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of the sample temperature and humidity control experimental setup for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A magnified view of a portion of point A in the middle;

[0024] Figure 5 An exploded view of the sample temperature and humidity control experimental setup for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this application;

[0025] Figure 6 The three-dimensional shell provided in this application Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 7 The three-dimensional shell provided in this application Figure 2 .

[0027] Figure label:

[0028] Shell assembly 10, shell 11, inner shell 111, inlet 1111, outlet 1112, insulation medium inlet 1113, insulation medium outlet 1114, reaction medium inlet 1115, reaction medium outlet 1116, mounting hole 1117, outer shell 112, first sealing plate 113, second sealing plate 114, sample chamber 115, insulation space 116, limiting part 117, second clearance notch 118, inlet window 12, outlet window 13, limiting member 14, first clearance notch 141, inlet cavity cover 15, inlet channel 151, scattering cavity cover 16, scattering channel 161, collimator 17, collimation position 171, bracket 18;

[0029] Insulation medium conveying mechanism 20, insulation medium input connector 21, insulation medium output connector 22;

[0030] Reaction medium conveying mechanism 30, reaction medium input connector 31, reaction medium output connector 32;

[0031] Temperature and humidity sensor 40;

[0032] Sample 100. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Similar elements in different embodiments are referred to by related similar element reference numerals. In the following embodiments, many details are described to facilitate a better understanding of the present application. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that some features may be omitted in different situations, or may be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, certain operations related to the present application are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid obscuring the core parts of the present application with excessive description. For those skilled in the art, detailed description of these related operations is not necessary; they can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and general technical knowledge in the art.

[0034] Furthermore, the features, operations, or characteristics described in the specification can be combined in any suitable manner to form various embodiments, and the operational steps involved in each embodiment can also be rearranged or adjusted in a manner that is obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specification and drawings are only for clearly describing a particular embodiment and do not imply that they represent the necessary components and / or order.

[0035] The serial numbers assigned to components in this document, such as "first" and "second," are used only to distinguish the described objects and have no sequential or technical meaning. The terms "connection" and "linkage" used in this application, unless otherwise specified, include both direct and indirect connections (linkages).

[0036] See Figures 1-7 As shown, the sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment includes a shell assembly 10, a thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism 20, and a reaction medium conveying mechanism 30.

[0037] The housing assembly 10 includes a housing 11, an entrance window 12, and an exit window 13. The housing 11 is provided with an entrance port 1111 (e.g., Figure 6 (as shown) and outlet 1112 (as shown) Figure 7As shown), the shell 11 is typically a hollow cylindrical shape. The inlet 1111 and the outlet 1112 are the two ports of the hollow cavity in the shell 11. The inlet 1111 and the outlet 1112 are set relative to the incident and exit directions of the neutron beam. Specifically, the inlet 1111 faces the direction of neutron incident, while the outlet 1112 is on the opposite side of the inlet 1111. The sample 100 is located between the inlet 1111 and the outlet 1112. An entrance window 12 is installed at the entrance port 1111, and an exit window 13 is installed at the exit port 1112. The entrance window 12, the exit window 13, and the housing 11 together define the sample cavity 115, which is used to accommodate the sample 100, which is a neutron scattering sample. The sample 100 can be circular, for example, with a diameter of 30 mm and a thickness of 4 mm, to accommodate the neutron beam spot and ensure effective neutron beam coverage. Larger sample 100 has better structural uniformity and can more accurately reflect the dynamic response under rapid changes in temperature and humidity. At the same time, since small-angle neutron scattering experiments often require continuous measurements for several hours to several days, a larger sample 100 can also provide a sufficiently effective detection area, avoiding the problem of experimental interruption caused by local loss (such as edge moisture evaporation) of smaller sample 100.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, a neutron beam passes through the incident window 12 and irradiates the sample 100. The beam is scattered through the sample 100 and exits through the exit window 13. The exited neutron beam is received by the detector of the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer. By analyzing the intensity and angular distribution of the scattered neutrons through the detector, the structural characteristics of the sample 100 at the nanometer or micrometer scale, such as particle size, interface thickness and pore distribution, can be deduced to conduct small-angle neutron scattering experiments on the sample 100.

[0039] The housing 11 also includes an incident channel 151 and a scattering channel 161. The incident channel 151 is located outside the incident port 1111, and the scattering channel 161 is located outside the exit port 1112. The neutron beam enters the sample 100 through the incident window 12 via the incident channel 151. After being scattered by the sample 100, it exits through the scattering channel 161 via the exit window 13. The scattering channel 161 can constrain the scattering path of the neutrons. For example, if the scattering angle is 35°, the scattering channel 161 will constrain the scattering angle of the neutron beam within a range of 35° to perform small-angle neutron scattering experiments on the sample.

[0040] In this embodiment, a heat-insulating space 116 is provided between the inner and outer walls of the shell 11, surrounding the sample cavity 115. The heat-insulating space 116 can be considered as an interlayer space between the inner and outer walls of the shell 11, and the heat-insulating space 116 is arranged around the sample cavity 115.

[0041] The insulation medium conveying mechanism 20 is connected to the insulation space 116. The insulation medium conveying structure is used to circulate the insulation medium to the insulation space 116. The insulation medium can be water, oil or oil-water mixture at a preset temperature. Since the insulation space 116 is arranged around the sample cavity 115, the insulation medium at the preset temperature can circulate around the sample cavity 115, thereby playing a role in heat preservation of the sample cavity 115.

[0042] The reaction medium delivery mechanism 30 is connected to the sample chamber 115. The reaction medium delivery mechanism 30 is used to circulate the reaction medium at a preset temperature and humidity to the sample chamber 115. The circulating heat-insulating medium in the heat-insulating space 116 ensures that the reaction medium in the sample chamber 115 is always at the preset temperature and humidity, thus ensuring the accuracy of the experimental results. The reaction medium can be water vapor or deuterated water vapor.

[0043] During the experimental phase, after adjusting the neutron beam to be vertical and aligned with the sample 100, the neutron beam irradiates the sample 100 through the incident channel 151 and the incident window 12. To facilitate the incident of the neutron beam, the housing assembly 10 provided in this embodiment also includes a support 18, which is installed at the bottom of the housing 11. The support 18 is used to connect with a moving mechanism, which drives the housing 11 to move in three-dimensional space through the support 18 to adjust the position of the housing 11 so that the neutron beam can be aligned with the neutron beam. The moving mechanism can be the sample stage in the spectrometer scattering chamber.

[0044] In the specific neutron scattering detection process, the insulation medium delivery mechanism 20 circulates the insulation medium into the insulation space 116. After the temperature in the sample cavity 115 is preheated to a certain temperature, the reaction medium delivery mechanism 30 circulates the reaction medium with a preset temperature and humidity into the sample cavity 115. After the reaction medium fills the sample cavity 115, the insulation medium circulated in the insulation space 116 ensures that the reaction medium is always at the preset temperature and humidity. The neutron beam passes through the incident channel 151 and is irradiated onto the sample 100 through the incident window 12. The neutron beam scattered after passing through the sample 100 is emitted through the exit window 13 and the scattering channel 161. It can then be detected and analyzed by a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer to analyze the intensity and angular distribution of the scattered neutrons, thereby inferring the structural characteristics of the sample 100 at the nanometer or micrometer scale.

[0045] In one embodiment, the neutron beam must pass through the incident window 12 and the exit window 13 to ensure low attenuation of the incident and exiting neutron beams, maximizing their interaction with the sample 100 and obtaining a neutron signal with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The incident window 12 and the exit window 13 are core components with low neutron absorption rates and are typically made of aluminum foil, which has an extremely low neutron absorption cross-section. The incident window 12 and the exit window 13 are typically made of aluminum foil with a thickness of 0.1 mm to ensure that the neutron beam attenuation rate is less than 5%, meeting the high transmittance requirements of neutron scattering measurement. At the same time, aluminum's high temperature resistance (above 85°C) and corrosion resistance are suitable for long-term high humidity environments.

[0046] In this embodiment, the sample chamber 115 maintains a constant temperature and humidity environment through a circulating insulating medium within the insulating space 116. The entrance window 12 and exit window 13 are made of a material with high neutron transmittance, achieving high-precision, fast-response, and long-term stable control of temperature and humidity in the neutron scattering experiment. The sufficiently small volume of the sample chamber 115 accelerates the replacement of the reaction medium within it, shortening the humidity equilibrium time. The small volume of the sample chamber 115 reduces the blind zone in temperature and humidity control, ensuring uniform temperature and humidity distribution within the chamber. Simultaneously, the small volume of the sample chamber 115 also places lower load requirements on the temperature and humidity control system, reducing parameter drift issues during long-term operation.

[0047] In this application, the insulation medium is generated by a temperature generator. To avoid fluctuations in temperature and humidity within the sample chamber, an insulation space 116 is used to surround the sample chamber 115 for thermal insulation, ensuring the uniformity of temperature and humidity within the sample chamber. The temperature of the insulation medium delivered to the insulation space 116 is kept consistent with the temperature of the reaction medium within the sample chamber 115, preventing condensation of the reaction medium due to temperature changes, which could interfere with humidity and affect the accuracy of experimental results. The insulation medium at a preset temperature generated by the temperature generator is delivered to the insulation medium delivery mechanism 20 via pipelines, and then circulated by the insulation medium delivery mechanism 20 into the insulation space 116. The pipelines are covered with insulation material to maintain a constant temperature of the insulation medium within the pipelines, preventing temperature changes during transmission.

[0048] The reaction medium can be heated by the heating mechanism and can also be transported to the reaction medium delivery mechanism 30 by the pipeline, and then transported to the sample chamber 115 by the reaction medium delivery mechanism 30. The pipeline is also covered with heat insulation material to prevent condensation during the transmission of the reaction medium.

[0049] In this application, the housing assembly 10 also includes a limiting member 14, and the cavity wall of the sample cavity 115 is provided with a limiting part 117. The limiting member 14 and the limiting part 117 cooperate to limit the sample 100 so that the two surfaces of the sample 100 face the entrance window 12 and the exit window 13 respectively.

[0050] Meanwhile, the limiting member 14 is provided with a first clearance notch 141, and the limiting part 117 is provided with a second clearance notch 118. The first clearance notch 141 and the second clearance notch 118 are used to avoid the neutron beam. Specifically, the first clearance notch 141 avoids the incident neutron beam, and the second clearance notch 118 avoids the neutron beam that is scattered after passing through the sample 100.

[0051] In one embodiment, the limiting member 14 is an annular structure, with its inner ring forming a first clearance notch 141. The limiting portion 117 is an annular protrusion protruding from the wall of the sample cavity 115, with its inner ring forming a second clearance notch 118. Of course, in other embodiments, both the limiting member 14 and the limiting portion 117 can be block structures. The radial dimension of the sample cavity 115 occupied by the block-shaped limiting member 14 and the limiting portion 117 is smaller than the radial dimension of the sample cavity 115, thus also allowing for clearance from the neutron beam.

[0052] See Figures 3-5 As shown, the housing assembly 10 also includes an entrance cavity cover 15 and a scattering channel 161. The entrance cavity channel 151 is formed through the interior of the entrance cavity cover 15, and the scattering channel 161 is formed through the interior of the exit cavity cover. The entrance cavity cover 15 is installed on the outside of the entrance port 1111 and presses against the entrance window 12. The exit cavity cover is installed on the outside of the exit port 1112 and presses against the exit window 13. Thus, the entrance cavity cover 15 and the exit cavity cover respectively position the entrance window 12 and the exit window 13.

[0053] In this application, the scattering channel 161 is cone-shaped to accommodate the scattered neutron beam.

[0054] See Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment also includes a collimator 17. The collimator 17 is provided with a collimation position 171. The collimator 17 is detachably installed on the outside of the incident cavity cover 15. The collimator 17 is used to collimate the neutron beam incident on the sample 100 through the collimation position 171.

[0055] In the specific operation process, the collimator 17 is installed on the outside of the entrance cavity cover 15. The collimation position 171 is a crosshair. The intersection of the crosshairs is the collimation point. A laser with the same direction as the neutron beam incident is used. After the moving component drives the housing 11 to move as a whole through the bracket 18 and aligns the laser with the collimation position 171, the collimation is completed and the collimator 17 is removed.

[0056] The temperature and humidity control device for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment also includes a temperature and humidity sensor 40. The housing 11 is also provided with a mounting hole 1117. At least a portion of the temperature and humidity sensor 40 extends into the sample chamber 115 through the mounting hole 1117. The temperature and humidity sensor 40 is used to detect the temperature and humidity of the reaction medium in the sample chamber 115. Specifically, the detection end of the temperature and humidity sensor 40 extends into the sample chamber 115 and is close to the sample 100 through the mounting hole 1117 to obtain the temperature and humidity around the sample 100.

[0057] The temperature and humidity sensor 40 can be electrically connected to the temperature and humidity generator. The temperature and humidity information detected by the temperature and humidity sensor 40 in the sample chamber 115 is fed back to the temperature and humidity generator in real time. If the temperature and humidity in the sample chamber 115 are lower than the preset temperature and humidity, the temperature and humidity generator is controlled to replenish the sample chamber 115 with the preset temperature and humidity through the reaction medium delivery device. When the temperature and humidity in the sample chamber 115 reach the preset temperature and humidity, the temperature and humidity generator is controlled to stop working.

[0058] To ensure that the temperature and humidity sensor 40 does not affect the detection effect due to condensation caused by local low temperature, the detection value of the temperature and humidity sensor 40 is usually set to be a few degrees higher than the preset temperature and humidity value.

[0059] See Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the insulation medium conveying mechanism 20 includes an insulation medium input connector 21 and an insulation medium output connector 22. The housing 11 is provided with an insulation medium inlet 1113 and an insulation medium outlet 1114, both of which are connected to the insulation space 116. The insulation medium input connector 21 is installed at the insulation medium inlet 1113, and the insulation medium output connector 22 is installed at the insulation medium outlet 1114. The insulation medium input connector 21 is used to input the insulation medium into the insulation space 116, and the insulation medium output connector 22 is used to output the insulation medium from the insulation space 116, ensuring that the insulation medium is circulated and conveyed within the insulation space 116.

[0060] The insulation medium can be heated by a heating mechanism to a preset temperature and then delivered to the insulation medium input connector 21, which then delivers it into the insulation space 116.

[0061] In one embodiment, the insulation medium output connector 22 can also be connected to the heating mechanism so that the output insulation medium flows back into the heating mechanism for reheating, thereby recycling the insulation medium.

[0062] Of course, in other embodiments, a temperature sensor can also be set to monitor the temperature in the insulation space 116 in real time, and the temperature sensor can be connected to the heating mechanism. The temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the insulation space 116 is fed back to the heating mechanism in real time so as to adjust the heating temperature of the heating mechanism.

[0063] The reaction medium delivery mechanism 30 includes a reaction medium input connector 31 and a reaction medium output connector 32. The housing 11 is provided with a reaction medium inlet 1115 and a reaction medium outlet 1116, both of which are connected to the sample chamber 115. The reaction medium inlet 1115 and the reaction medium outlet 1116 can be respectively located at opposite ends of the housing 11. The reaction medium input connector 31 is installed at the reaction medium inlet 1115, and the reaction medium output connector 32 is installed at the reaction medium outlet 1116. The reaction medium input connector 31 is used to input a reaction medium at a preset temperature into the sample chamber 115, and the reaction medium output connector 32 is used to output the reaction medium from the sample chamber 115. Specifically, in the preparation stage of the small-angle scattering experiment, the reaction medium at a preset temperature and humidity generated by the temperature and humidity generator is delivered to the sample chamber 115 through the reaction medium input connector 31. After displacing the air in the sample chamber 115 and causing the air to exit from the reaction medium output connector 32, the sample chamber 115 can be filled.

[0064] In one embodiment, the reaction medium output connector 32 can also be connected to a waste gas collector, so that the air discharged from the sample chamber 115 and the reaction medium that has completed the reaction can be discharged into the waste gas collector for centralized collection.

[0065] In one embodiment, the housing assembly 10 further includes an insulation layer that covers the outer surface of the housing 11 to prevent heat loss of the insulation medium in the insulation space 116 and further improve the insulation effect.

[0066] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the housing 11 includes an inner shell 111, an outer shell 112, a first sealing plate 113, and a second sealing plate 114. The inner shell 111 is installed inside the outer shell 112 and connected to the outer shell 112. There is a gap between the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112. The first sealing plate 113 covers one side of the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112 and covers one side of the gap. The second sealing plate 114 covers the other side of the inner shell 111 and the outer shell 112 and covers the other side of the gap. The first sealing plate 113, the second sealing plate 114, and the gap enclose a heat-insulating space 116. The inlet 1111 and the outlet 1112 are respectively located on opposite sides of the inner shell 111. The inlet window 12, the outlet window 13, and the inner shell 111 together define the sample chamber 115. The heat-insulating layer covers the outer surface of the outer shell 112.

[0067] In summary, in the sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for the small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer provided in this embodiment, the neutron beam enters the sample through the incident window via the incident channel. After being scattered by the sample, it exits through the scattering channel via the exit window. The scattering channel constrains the neutron scattering path, thus enabling small-angle neutron scattering experiments on the sample. The circulating insulating medium within the insulating space surrounding the sample cavity prevents fluctuations in temperature and humidity within the sample cavity, allowing for rapid regulation of the temperature and humidity environment and ensuring uniformity. This prevents condensation of the reaction medium due to temperature changes, thus avoiding interference with the humidity within the sample cavity and improving the accuracy of the small-angle neutron scattering experimental results.

[0068] The above description, in conjunction with specific embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, several simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the inventive concept of this application.

Claims

1. A sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer, characterized in that, include: A housing assembly includes a housing, an entrance window, and an exit window. The housing has an entrance port and an exit port. The housing also has an entrance channel located outside the entrance port and a scattering channel located outside the exit port. The entrance window is installed at the entrance port, and the exit window is installed at the exit port. The entrance window, the exit window, and the housing together define a sample cavity for containing a sample. A thermal insulation space is also provided between the inner and outer walls of the housing, surrounding the sample cavity. A thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism is connected to the thermal insulation space and is used to circulate and convey thermal insulation medium into the thermal insulation space. A reaction medium delivery mechanism is connected to the sample chamber and is used to circulate a reaction medium with a preset temperature and humidity into the sample chamber.

2. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly also includes a limiting member, and the cavity wall of the sample chamber is provided with a limiting portion. The limiting member cooperates with the limiting portion to restrict the sample.

3. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental device for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The limiting member is provided with a first clearance notch, and the limiting part is provided with a second clearance notch. The first clearance notch and the second clearance notch are used to avoid neutron beams.

4. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing assembly further includes an entrance cavity cover and a scattering cavity cover. The entrance channel is formed inside the entrance cavity cover, and the scattering channel is formed inside the exit cavity cover. The entrance cavity cover is installed on the outside of the entrance port and presses against the entrance window. The exit cavity cover is installed on the outside of the exit port and presses against the exit window.

5. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The scattering channel is cone-shaped.

6. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a collimator, which has a collimation position. The collimator is detachably mounted on the outside of the incident window and is used to collimate the neutron beam incident on the sample through the collimation position.

7. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature and humidity sensor, and the housing is provided with a mounting hole, through which at least part of the temperature and humidity sensor extends into the sample chamber. The temperature and humidity sensor is used to detect the temperature and humidity of the reaction medium in the sample chamber.

8. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermal insulation medium conveying mechanism includes a thermal insulation medium input connector and a thermal insulation medium output connector. The housing is provided with a thermal insulation medium inlet and a thermal insulation medium outlet. Both the thermal insulation medium inlet and the thermal insulation medium outlet are connected to the thermal insulation space. The thermal insulation medium input connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium inlet, and the thermal insulation medium output connector is installed at the thermal insulation medium outlet. The insulation medium input connector is used to input insulation medium into the insulation space, and the insulation medium output connector is used to output the insulation medium from the insulation space.

9. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction medium delivery mechanism includes a reaction medium input connector and a reaction medium output connector. The housing is provided with a reaction medium inlet and a reaction medium outlet, both of which are connected to the sample chamber. The reaction medium input connector is installed at the reaction medium inlet, and the reaction medium output connector is installed at the reaction medium outlet. The reaction medium input connector is used to input the reaction medium into the sample chamber, and the reaction medium output connector is used to output the reaction medium from the sample chamber.

10. The sample temperature and humidity control experimental apparatus for a small-angle neutron scattering spectrometer as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The housing includes an inner shell, an outer shell, a first sealing plate, and a second sealing plate. The inner shell is installed inside the outer shell and connected to the outer shell. There is a gap between the inner shell and the outer shell. The first sealing plate covers one side of the inner shell and the outer shell and also covers one side of the gap. The second sealing plate covers the other side of the inner shell and the outer shell and also covers the other side of the gap. The first sealing plate, the second sealing plate, and the gap together form the heat-insulating space.

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